
Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg worth booking?
Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg is a 8-hour experience in Salzburg, Austria, from $970 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $970 per person
A private day for your own group only, with a local driver-guide who picks you up at your Salzburg hotel. Two options: 6-hour option: Eisriesenwelt ice caves only. The cave runs 42 km into the Tennengebirge mountains, and its first kilometre is filled with ice. You walk it by lamplight with a cave guide. 8-hour option: the ice caves plus Hohenwerfen Fortress, the 11th-century castle above Werfen that film fans know from Where Eagles Dare, with its falconry show, and time for lunch in Werfen village. Good to know: it is an active day. There are about 1,400 steps inside the cave and around 40 minutes of uphill walking to reach it, and the cave stays near 0 degrees all summer. Up to 6 guests per vehicle.
What you get
About this experience
A private day for your own group only, with a local driver-guide who picks you up at your Salzburg hotel. Two options: 6-hour option: Eisriesenwelt ice caves only. The cave runs 42 km into the Tennengebirge mountains, and its first kilometre is filled with ice. You walk it by lamplight with a cave guide. 8-hour option: the ice caves plus Hohenwerfen Fortress, the 11th-century castle above Werfen that film fans know from Where Eagles Dare, with its falconry show, and time for lunch in Werfen village. Good to know: it is an active day. There are about 1,400 steps inside the cave and around 40 minutes of uphill walking to reach it, and the cave stays near 0 degrees all summer. Up to 6 guests per vehicle.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from any Salzburg location
- Bottled water
- Surcharges on fuel
- Transportation in Air-Conditioned Premium Vehicle
- Expert local driver-guide whose family stories span generations of Austrian life
Not included
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
- Entrance fees
- Lunch and dining expenses (we recommend the best local spots)
What you'll see and do
Be special Tours
Free pickup and drop-off anywhere in Salzburg. Which stops you get depends on the option you book: the 6-hour option is the ice caves only; the 8-hour option adds Hohenwerfen Fortress and time for lunch in Werfen village.
Pass by without stopping
Fortress Hohenwerfen
8-HOUR OPTION ONLY (not part of the 6-hour ice caves option). Hohenwerfen Fortress above the Salzach valley: the falconry show and a guided visit inside the medieval fortress, with its armoury, chapel and the view down the valley.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Eisriesenwelt
Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, open from May to October. Both options include it. From the car park it is about 20 minutes uphill on foot to the cable car, then about 20 minutes more from the top station to the cave entrance. Inside, a cave guide leads you by lamplight past the ice formations; the cave tour has about 1,400 steps up and back down and stays around 0 degrees, so bring a warm jacket and good shoes.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Salzburg
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
6 Hour Ice Caves Experience
Duration: 6 hours Pickup included
8 Hour Ice Caves & Fortress
excl. entrance fees: This tour does not include entrance fees to the ice caves, the Fortress. Ice caves: 24€ per adult. Fortress: 15€ per adult. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Be special Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Bring a warm jacket and sturdy shoes: the ice cave stays around 0 degrees even in summer.
- The cave tour has about 1,400 steps up and back down, lit by hand lamps.
- Getting to the cave means about 40 minutes of uphill walking in total (to the cable car and from its top station). The 6-hour option is the ice caves only; Hohenwerfen Fortress is part of the 8-hour option.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Peter with Be Special...
Peter with Be Special Tours was an awesome tour guide. We love learning about the area and he had sooo much to share. We would book with Be Special Tours again! They also do the Eagles nest and Salt Mines tour. Wish we would have gone through him for that one.
Response from the operator: Dear Karen, Thank you for your comment and review. We are honored that you enjoyed the tour so much with Peter and we hope to be able to welcoming you again for another tour. Best regards Be Special Tours
via Viator
Cave walk enjoyable
The trip was informative and enjoyable lots of stairs and the walk up the mountain to get to the stairs was for the fit, great views once you’re up there.
Response from the operator: Dear Michael, Thank you for your review and comment. We are happy that you enjoyed the tour. Unfortunately the walk is intense and the 1400stairs in the cave are challenging but given enough time it works out and hope to be able to welcoming you again. Best regards Be Special Tours Salzburg
via Viator
Beauty and physically demanding
This was a great tour because our driver was friendly, personable, the car was comfortable. He was very proud of Salzburg and the surrounding Towns and anxious to show us all of it. The Ice Caves were a physically demanding exhibit and very cold. Even walking 700 stairs up and 700 stairs down did not warms us up. Very glad we bought sweaters in the gift shop - I was wearing 4 layers and my family was wearing 3. It’s very dark in there and everyone does Not get a lamp so you have to keep up. We thankfully made several stops on the path for the guide to tell us things about the cave or we would not have been able to keep up with the group. I don’t think we would have taken the tour if we had known the physical demands. But I am so glad we went and did it! The beauty of the ice formations is breathtaking!
Response from the operator: Dear Jannis, thank you very much for you review and comment. Unfortunately the Ice caves are a bit of a challange walking to it and the stairs inside but it is definitely worth it. We are happy that you enjoyed it and hope to be able to welcoming you at another tour. Best regards Be Special Tours Salzburg.
via Tripadvisor
Great Day
We had a Great time, our tour guide was friendly, fluent in English and easy to understand and very informative. He knew exactly where we needed to be and when . Made the day very easy for us to enjoy.
Response from the operator: Dear Todd, Thank you for your review and comment. We are very happy that you enjoyed the day. Hope to be able to welcoming you again. Best regards Be special tours Salzburg
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $970 to $1,050
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Be special Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.5.
See everything Be special Tours runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salzburg.
How much does Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg cost?
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Prices start at $970 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salzburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salzburg is not rushed.
Is Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Salzburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salzburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salzburg and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salzburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Salzburg?
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On Outty we rank every Salzburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg, Salzburg Oldtown: Sightseeing Walking Tour with Licensed Local Guide, Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Salzburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Salzburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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Included: Hotel pickup & drop-off from any Salzburg location; Bottled water; Surcharges on fuel; Transportation in Air-Conditioned Premium Vehicle; and Expert local driver-guide whose family stories span generations of Austrian life. Not included: Gratuities; Admission fees; Entrance fees; and Lunch and dining expenses (we recommend the best local spots). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 160 listed pickup locations in and around Salzburg. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Salzburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Private Tour to world's biggest Ice Caves & Werfen from Salzburg?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including 6 Hour Ice Caves Experience, 8 Hour Ice Caves & Fortress. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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